From booed to provider: how Jardim 'unlocked' Lino at Flamengo | OneFootball

Samuel Lino reaches 14 assists in the 2026 season

The year 2026 has marked a profound change in Samuel Lino’s path at Flamengo. After an initial spell under Filipe Luís, marked by inconsistency and criticism from the fans, the current scenario reflects a different reality.

The arrival of Leonardo Jardim as head coach turned the forward into one of the main attacking pillars of the Rubro-Negro squad. It is no surprise, then, that Samuel Lino is establishing himself as the team’s main ‘provider’ this season.

The numbers illustrate the transformation of the No. 16 shirt. Overall, Samuel Lino has 14 assists in 2026, with nine decisive passes in official competitions and five contributions in friendlies played during the World Cup period.

That productivity has reached impressive marks. Samuel Lino needs only 108 minutes on average to be directly involved in a goal.

— I try to help the team. Whether I’m a starter or not, that’s up to the coach, and I keep working hard. No matter the position I’m in or where I am, on the field or on the bench, I try to help the team. And that’s what I want with the Flamengo shirt -, Samuel Lino told Flamengo TV after Flamengo’s win over Olimpia (PAR) in a friendly.

WHY DID THE TACTICAL CHANGE LEAD TO SUCH GROWTH?

The improvement is directly tied to the fit between the player’s characteristics and Leonardo Jardim’s methodology. The previous system, led by Filipe Luís, kept the forward on the left wing, limiting his creative ability and exposing him to constant double marking.

However, under the Portuguese coach, the No. 16 has gained more freedom. As a result, his central movement allows him to play with his back to goal, look for the ball between the lines, and disrupt the opponents’ defensive positioning. That freedom makes the attack more unpredictable.

— The difference for him is the ‘mobility’ of playing inside, with your back to goal, asking for the ball in behind, sometimes drifting wide… He gives that freedom, and I identify more with that style of play because I also like asking for the ball a lot in central areas. They are different styles of play. I felt very good for a period with Filipe, and now with Jardim I’m feeling good in this run as well -, Samuel Lino said in April.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BATTLE FOR PLACES WITH THE RETURN OF THE CALLED-UP PLAYERS?

The return of the players who took part in the World Cup creates an extra challenge for Leonardo Jardim. However, if Samuel Lino maintains his current level, his place in the starting lineup should become unquestionable. Being the team’s top assist provider in 2026 strengthens the forward’s place among the starting eleven.

WHAT IS FLAMENGO’S NEXT MATCH?

With Samuel Lino available, Flamengo now turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. The match against Chapecoense takes place at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) this Wednesday (22), in the 19th round, at Arena Condá. An away win would keep the Rubro-Negro club right on leader Palmeiras’ heels.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.